Multigenerational Travel Adventures in 2023
Expert advisors from iBestTravel’s A-List share the memory-making multigenerational adventures they’re planning this year.
Clients keep expressing their eagerness to travel, says Jessica Griscavage, the founder of Runway Travel Company based in McClean, Virginia. Recently, she’s focused much of her time crafting remarkable trips for families looking to create unforgettable experiences. According to a study conducted last summer by the Family Travel Association and New York University, around 65 percent of parents are now considering advisor-crafted family vacations, compared to just 17 percent in recent years.
For Fans of the Old Country
Griscavage is directing many multigenerational groups to Ireland, an unexpected yet perfect destination for families due to its food, history, and unparalleled beauty. Her ideal itinerary begins in Dublin and leads to the 800-year-old Ashford Castle, the opulent former summer residence of the Guinness brewing family. Along the journey, families can scale the stunning Cliffs of Moher, among the tallest in Ireland, and participate in a private sheepdog demonstration on a farm in the Burren. At the castle, activities abound, including ziplining amongst treetops, horseback riding, clay shooting, and leisurely walks with the resident wolfhounds.
Contact: jessica@runwaytravelco.com; seven-day trips from $10,000 per person.
If You’re Looking North…
Julia B. Pirrung at Jetset World Travel highlights Alaska as a trending destination. She notes that travelers view it as “the adventure of a lifetime, with no passport needed.” Her envisioned trip includes kayaking amongst icebergs with the majestic LeConte Glacier in the background, mountain biking along scenic logging trails, floatplane excursions to remote Redoubt Bay, and observing orcas gliding through the Inside Passage.
Contact: julia@jetsetworldtravel.com; 10-day trips from $20,000 per person.
Or If You’d Rather Head South
Zach Rabinor of Journey Mexico mentions that he’s been focusing on destinations that reflect his personal family travel experiences. One notable location is the El Rosario butterfly reserve in Michoacán, offering opportunities for horseback riding through serene forests to witness millions of fluttering monarchs. He suggests complementing this with days in Baja California, where families can snorkel with sea lions near Espíritu Santo Island and, during winter and early spring, observe gray whales in Magdalena Bay.
Contact: zach@journeymexico.com; 10-day trips from $9,000 per person.
Find Excitement Across the Atlantic
Jack Ezon of Embark Beyond is planning exhilarating trips to Marrakesh, where families can explore a vibrant maze of souks, meet emerging local fashion designers, and even create their own Moroccan tiles. Ezon emphasizes that few locations are as colorful and engaging, especially during his pulse-pounding Amazing Race-style tour, where teens hop over rooftops, explore ancient palaces, and navigate the bustling streets in the sidecar of a guide-driven motorcycle.
Contact: jack@embarkbeyond.com; seven-day trips from $6,250 per person.
Set Sail on Your Own Personal Cruise
For a relaxed multi-generational adventure, Croatia offers private yacht charters, according to Wanda S. Radetti of Tasteful Croatian Journeys. She recommends the Lagoon Seventy 7 catamaran, featuring four spacious cabins and an inviting communal area. Parents can unwind on deck with a glass of Pošip, a refreshing white wine, while children enjoy swimming off the stern. Between excursions to medieval towns and fishing villages, the yacht’s chef manages all meal preparations and cleanups.
Contact: wandasradetti@visitcroatia.com; seven-day charters, including pre- and post-sail accommodations, starting from $100,000.
For Unparalleled Wildlife Watching
Shawna Huffman Owen from Huffman Travel notes that Rwanda is increasingly sought after for its mountain gorillas. However, the country offers much more for families. Her recommended itinerary includes chimpanzee spotting in Nyungwe National Park—sometimes from a suspended walkway in the forest canopy—as well as sharing meals and discussions with genocide survivors to gain insight into Rwanda’s history. Of course, trekking to see mountain gorillas is also part of the experience, which Huffman Owen describes as unforgettable.
Contact: shawna@huffmantravel.com; six-day trips from $10,000 per person.
For the Truly Adventurous
Sandy Cunningham of Uncharted Travel mentions that her clients are eager for trips to Fiji and, once it reopens, New Zealand. “Combining both destinations creates a family trip that will be remembered for generations,” she notes. In New Zealand, she can arrange for river rafting with Maori guides and stays at wilderness lodges near Lake Taupo. In Fiji, families can enjoy scuba lessons, snorkeling, and a visit to deserted islands styled after the film Castaway—complete with volleyball.
Contact: sandy@gouncharted.com; 16-day trips starting at $18,550 per person.